TBM/TBF Avenger in Action
by Charles L. Scrivner

Book Review by Gerald W. Thomas, VT-4

This paperback publication is one of a series by Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc of Carrollton, Texas. It is reviewed here because 2 of our Torpedo Squadron 4 pilots, William H. (Bill) Cannady and Lloyd (Cozy) Cole, were consulted for the publication. The cover shows Ensign Cannady with J. C. Gerke as turret gunner making a torpedo run on a Japanese cargo ship at Cap Du San Jacque, French Indo China, on 12 January 1945. My crewman J. C. Holloman took a photo of the ship, which Cannady torpedoed, as we flew over it during the explosion (see photo).

Many of the photos in this book came from Bill Cannady's and Lloyd Cole's personal collections. These and other photos show VT-4 pilots, Chief Petty Officers, and flight crewmen. The text and photos include developments of the TBF/TMB specifications, flight performance, carrier operations, and combat situations.

Sadly, Bill died August 3, 1993. Until his death, Bill and his wife Mildred were active in planning and attending Torpedo Four Reunions. Bill was an excellent pilot and he carried out combat responsibilities with determination and valor. Pilots and flight crewmen alike enjoyed the association with Bill and he will always hold an important place in the squadron history. Some of Bill's many other accomplishments were noted in his obituary, which is quoted below:

William H. Cannady, Overland Park, Kansas, died August 3, 1993 at Bethany Medical Center. He was a public affairs worker for the Army Corps of Engineers. He was also a news broadcaster for several radio stations in the Kansas/Missouri area. Bill was past president of the Kansas City chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and a recipient of the Broadcast Pioneer Award.

Bill Cannady was a well-respected pilot in Torpedo Squadron Four and had received the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as several other decorations for combat in the Pacific Theater. His combat record is cited in the book Torpedo Squadron Four: A Cockpit View of World War II. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and remained active in the Association of Naval Aviation and the Navy League during his civilian life. Survivors include his wife Mildred, three daughters, and sister.

Photo: VT-4 approaching Cap du San Jacque. 
Photo: Cover showing Cannady and Gerke attacking Japanese cargo ship. 
Photo: Cargo ship bombed by Cannady and Gerke. 

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